TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - October 15, 2014) - ESL (English as a Second Language) language training professionals are not just teaching language and grammar. Many of them are equally focused on the future success of their learners, a goal that TESL Ontario (Teachers as a Second Language Association of Ontario) alludes to in its vision statement.
At the annual conference of TESL Ontario (#TESL2014) taking place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this week, the three day program will give delegates valuable insights into employment-related issues for their ESL students as well as new classroom activities and strategies for teaching.
On the topic of employment, presenters will discuss the special programs and skill needs of adult learners in professions such as nursing, healthcare and engineering who are introduced to authentic workplace culture and communication to help them increase language, confidence and employability skills. Delegates can also gain valuable information for their students about not only the 'Invisible Job Market of Canada' but also about effective intercultural communications in the workplace. Another session discusses how a unique model of language training delivery at one Ontario employment centre benefits newcomers by having language training and employment services located at the same facility. And the topic of LinkedIn is presented as a tool for learners along with teaching tips.
The more than 160 sessions offered to delegates also include tips and techniques for making learning fun and memorable. For example in the performing arts category, screenplay writing, music/movement, song and improvisation exercises are discussed. Other presenters discuss teaching Canadian idioms and expressions through TV talk shows and newscasts; how to improve both language skills and immigrant health simultaneously; using applications like Twittter and YouTube; assessing, identifying and instructing students with learning difficulties; foolproof activities for the Monday morning class; use of dictionary activities as a resource; and more.
The 42nd conference of TESL Ontario "Integrating Language and Transcending Boundaries", takes place October 16 - 18, 2014 as the final highlight of ESL Week in Ontario, celebrating ESL education and learning. It is the largest conference of its kind in Canada, hosting more than 1,000 language training professionals from public and private sectors, academics, research and government. In addition to sessions such as those described above, there are keynote speakers, technology labs, panel discussions and research symposia. As well, 11 winners of TESL Ontario's ESL Creativity Contest & Recognition Awards will be honoured during the conference.
TESL Ontario, established in 1972, is a non-profit organization serving the needs of teachers of English as a Second Language. It represents more than 4,600 language training professionals working in immigrant serving agencies, school boards, publicly funded sites across Ontario, colleges/universities, elementary/secondary and private language training schools. TESL Ontario's expertise is in teaching, advocacy, accreditation and professional development. The organization is instrumental in influencing the success of many thousands of English language learners throughout the province.
For more information visit www.teslontario.org and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Pinterest.
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Contact Information:
Contact
Lynn McGregor
416.487.2971
pr@teslontario.ca
Renate Tilson
416.593.4243 Ext.203
rtilson@teslontario.org